How to Check for Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath During COVID-19 Pandemic

Shortness of breath is a symptom of COVID-19. During the pandemic, it’s important to watch for new or worsening shortness of breath or respiratory problems. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience any changes in your breathing, as it may be a sign of COVID-19.

What is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath is when you feel like you are not able to get enough air in to breathe normally or feel as though you can’t take a large enough breath. Shortness of breath can feel like a tightness in the chest or gasping for more air. Shortness of breath is common after intense exercise and can be an indicator of your fitness level. Other common causes of shortness of breath include:

High altitude

Asthma or allergies

Anxiety or strong emotional reaction

Nasal congestion

Extreme temperatures

However, shortness of breath also can be caused by serious health conditions such as:

Chronic obstructive lung disorder (COPD)

Asthma exacerbation

Heart attack

Respiratory illness like pneumonia

Interstitial lung disorders

Obesity

When to Call Your Doctor

Shortness of breath typically isn’t cause for concern when combined with a common cause like exercise or high altitude. Call your doctor when shortness of breath occurs with:

Chest pain

Fainting

Nausea

Frequent episodes of breathlessness

Onset is sudden and severe

Disrupting daily activities

Trouble breathing when you lie flat

High fever, chills and cough with breathlessness

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and history of the instances of shortness of breath from you during your appointment. Tell your doctor about each time you’ve experienced shortness of breath. Also share what triggers or conditions lead to shortness of breath. Your doctor may perform or order other diagnostic tests such as:

Listening to your heart and lungs

Blood tests

X-ray

CT-scan

Lung function tests

Echocardiogram

Self-Treatment and Prevention

Create an action plan with your doctor. If your shortness of breath is caused by a condition such as asthma or COPD, you should create an action plan with your physician to treat or prevent shortness of breath. This could include a rescue inhaler or breathing treatments.

Quit smoking and vaping. Smoking is a leading cause of chronic respiratory lung disease, which leads to shortness of breath.

Understand the effects of altitude. If you plan to travel to an area of high altitude or live in an area of high altitude, it is important to understand how it will affect your lungs. For many, being at a high altitude causes shortness of breath.

Take your medications. If your doctor has prescribed medications to minimize the effects of shortness of breath, it is crucial to take those medications at the appropriate times. Your medication will not be as effective or effective at all if not taken as prescribed.

Avoid pollutants, extreme temperatures or other identified triggers.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Carrie Horn, MD (April 2020)

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Patient Education Materials

Learn more about COVID-19 and how it affects specific health conditions in these printable patient education materials.